jason campbell

When Lamar Jackson was taken No. 32 overall in the draft this year, Ozzie Newsome acknowledged they were “building for the future” with the Heisman Trophy winner. But, he added, “In order for us to win this year, we need Joe Flacco.”

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is likely to be ready for the 2016 regular-season opener despite tearing two knee ligaments.

In the wake of unrest in the city following the death of Freddie Gray, Edmondson graduate Jerry Lovelocke said his pending free agent contract with the Ravens could serve as an example for Baltimore youth.

The Ravens have no problem sending up smoke screens during the draft buildup but there is some legitimacy to owner Steve Bisciotti's desire to get a pass rusher.

The Ravens' organizational focus is on next month's draft, but they are still trying to plug some holes with some veteran free agents.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh met with reporters for about an hour on the second day of the NFL owners meetings at the Arizona Biltmore hotel. Here are a couple of tidbits.

Free agency has quieted down significantly, but the Ravens aren't going to rely entirely on the draft to fill their needs.

Growing up on the east side of Baltimore, Prairie View A&M quarterback Jerry Lovelocke maintained a careful eye toward his future.

Three Maryland natives will have an opportunity to impress NFL teams next week at the College Gridiron Showcase in Arlington, Texas, an all-star game that features prominent players from programs such as Alabama, Auburn and Texas.

While Terrell Suggs is the Ravens' all-time leader with 941/2 sacks, he has zero this season heading into Sunday's game against the Browns. It's been a rough spell for Suggs going back to last season.

Helping Andy Dalton is the first order of business for Hue Jackson, the former Ravens quarterbacks coach.

The Ravens' late-game defense was a problem that was well documented at the end of last season, and a contributing factor to the team's 5-4 record in games decided by three points or fewer.

The snapshot of the Ravens' defense displays plenty of improvement, regaining stinginess overall as a run defense along with an occasionally formidable pass rush. However, a deeper look showed a recurring flaw from the defense late in games that played a significant role in preventing the Ravens from reaching the playoffs one year after winning the Super Bowl.

The Ravens' inability to close out opponents defensively nearly cost them against the Vikings. Their struggles could loom large Monday against Detroit.

Moments after the Ravens' flailing defense suffered a series of late breakdowns that nearly cost them the football game on Sunday, the offense and special teams salvaged a dramatic victory.

With made kicks from 43, 34, 38, 45 and 48 yards against the Steelers, Justin Tucker has connected on 27 consecutive field goals, is the longest active streak in the NFL.

Although the passing connection between quarterback Joe Flacco and Torrey Smith has remained productive all season, it's been difficult for them to strike deep on a consistent basis. Smith leads the Ravens with 41 receptions for 753 yards and is averaging 18.4 yards per reception, but has caught just two touchdown passes.

Throughout the NFL this season, backup quarterbacks have gotten opportunities to prove themselves after injuries or ineptitude sent a dozen starters to the bench. But here in Baltimore, Tyrod Taylor patiently waits behind Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who has never missed a snap due to injury in his six seasons in the league.

Heading into Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium, one of the few things A.J. Green hasn't done in two-plus NFL seasons is star against the Ravens. In three career games, Green has nine receptions for 122 yards and no touchdowns. He played briefly in a meaningless regular-season finale last season and caught two passes for 26 yards.

Trying to figure out what the Ravens will do every Sunday has become an exercise in futility. Another surprising loss last weekend dropped them to 3-5 and logic says they will lose a fourth straight game Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals, but you never know with this team.

The cornerback position was expected to be a strength for the Ravens this season, but they have gotten inconsistent performances from that group, Lardarius Webb and Corey Graham, in particular.

A collection of what other media outlets are saying as the Ravens prepare to play against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.

After delivering three touchdown passes against the Ravens during a 24-18 win, Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell has embraced a pass-centric approach, transitioning firmly to spread looks as the base offense.

Protecting a three-point lead with 6:44 to play, the Browns ran off all but the final 14 seconds before Billy Cundiff's field goal finalized Cleveland's 24-18 victory over the Ravens in front of an announced 71,513 at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The growing timing and chemistry between Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and rookie wide receiver Marlon Brown was one of the lone bright spots Sunday during a disheartening loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Ravens cornerback Corey Graham buried his face in his hands in the locker room Sunday night, occasionally shaking his head in apparent sadness and bewilderment following a 24-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The Ravens weren't the only ones who needed a break. While I am 5-2 at guessing the outcomes of their games, my ability to nail these predictions has waned in recent weeks.

Joe Flacco has gone two games without an interception after being picked off six times the previous two games.

When Dean Pees and the Ravens defense watched tape of their Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns, they saw Brandon Weeden at quarterback and Trent Richardson carrying the load at running back. Wide receiver Josh Gordon was nowhere to be found as he was serving his four-game league suspension.

Baltimore Sun experts make their pick in the NFL Week 9 game between Ravens and Browns in Cleveland

A roundup of NFL experts' picks for Sunday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.

When the Ravens travel to play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, they'll be squaring off with quarterback Jason Campbell.

For Sunday¿s game against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, Jason Campbell steps under center to start an NFL regular-season game for the first time since 2011.

Baltimore Sun blogger and reporter Matt Vensel gives his take on the Baltimore Ravens' 14-6 win over the Cleveland Browns, including thoughts on the Ravens' offensive identity, Terrell Suggs and their fierce pass rush, Marlon Brown's surprising start, and more.

Brandon Weeden was under heavy duress throughout the game, sacked five times as the Ravens delivered a dozen quarterback hits. Weeden didn't finish the game, leaving in the fourth quarter with a thumb injury as he was replaced by backup Jason Campbell for the final series.

Trailing by six points at halftime and shut out over the first 30 minutes, the Ravens made just enough plays in the second half to avoid starting 0-2.